So you’ve been invited to an event and the invitation reads “Dress To Impress”.  Hmmm, sometimes you’re impressed that you remembered pants that day, so does that count?

Here’s some helpful guidelines to dispel the mystery.  Starting with the shoes and working our way up, here’s what should (and shouldn’t) be on your body.

Shoes - Obviously no gym sneakers.  Sketchers, while ok for casual parties are a bit low brow for a stylin crowd.  That doesn’t mean you have to break out those uncomfortable dress shoes, plenty of in between options like a slip on, driving moc, or streamline street shoe.  Extra bonus points if you opt out of black.  Style isn’t about matching, it’s about coordinating- color shoes add excitement to traditional color schemes and look great with denim.  You don’t have to go out full technicolor either, a grey or color accented shoe can also step up your overall look. 

Pants – Most clubs and party venues now welcome jeans- not dad jeans, well cut, unripped (unless you’re with the band) modern wash jeans.  If you prefer a trouser, flat front only.  Again, go beyond black, like a taupe with subtle print of glen plaid or window pane can coordinate with almost anything.  Lightweight wool or linen for a summer event will keep you cool as the room fills up.  Keep the socks in line with the color of your pants, remember the ankle is an extension of the leg.  You can also go for a creative print, but avoid silly novelties like cartoon characters.

Shirting -  If you are only wearing a dress shirt make sure you nail the fit.  Being swallowed by your shirt doesn’t showcase you in a power position. French cuff shirts with links always add some elegance.  Wearing it without a tie? If you’re going to wear a undershirt, make sure it’s a V-neck so the collar doesn’t so the top doesn’t stick out from the unbuttoned collar, we may love accessories but an underachievers ascot is never where it’s at. 

If you prefer a T-shirt or a knit make sure these pieces are refined rather than loud.  Graphic Ts aka Jersey Shore are the fabric equivalent of jaundice, looks good on no one.  Unless your T-Shirt is hand crafted like a Murcielago, add some more interest to your look with another layer.  Tailored vest, lightweight cashmere v-neck or masculine (not Mr. Rogers) cardigan, or… 

Sport coat – A modern, Italian cut sport coat is the easiest, most instant way to dress up and dignifiy what you’re wearing.  Looks just as stellar over a well selected T or dress shirt, with jeans or with slacks.  And, provides you extra storage for your smart phone, wallet, and James Bond USB stick into poison dart key chain.  

Accessories – Accessories pull your look together and are the finishing elements that make women want to touch you, and guys secretly jealous that they didn’t think of wearing that too.  As with everything else on your body, only wear the accessories that you feel confident in.  A neatly folded pocket square in your sport coat pocket,  a well woven straw fedora, a tie or for some more youthful edge, embellished bow tie, are just a few accessory options. Remember your belt does not need match your shoes, as noted earlier, it’s about coordination not matching.

When it’s all put together your natural swagger should be as noticeable as a Vuvuzela in a library.  If all of this sounds scary and confusing, stop hyperventilating.  Show up, order a Kettle One martini, mingle, and be your most comfortable self.  Besides, confidence is the sexiest accessory.

You’d like to wear the sneakers, they’re comfortable, but visually on par with orthopedics.  And this summer you made a commitment to yourself (oh okay, I may be making it for you now)- no more dressing like a Floridian retiree.

For your warm weather enjoyment here are eight Emmi-Approved casual summer shoe options from two quality shoemakers.  Most of these are every bit as comfy as a sneaker yet without any of the unsavory side effects such as, loss of desirability, increased frumpiness, and sustained eyesores.

Cole Haan Boat Shoe - Perfect for shorts even when your yacht is in the shop.

Cole Haan Penny Loafer - Don't let the name keep you from trying this updated classic.

Johnston & Murphy Venetian - Similar to a loafer but with a cleaner vamp, that's the top of the shoe. Don't worry, knowing that now doesn't make you any less manly.

Cole Haan Slip-On - A multi-color shoe pairs exceptionally well with neutrals like khaki or white.

Cole Haan Driving Moc - Feels like a slipper on but their specially designed gripper sole makes them much better for lounging then extended walking.

Johnston & Murphy Canvas Lace-Up - These have a lot of cushion and make for exceptionally comfortable summer strolling.

Johnston & Murphy Sandal - Mandals can be tricky, it's key is to stay away from anything clunky.

Johnston & Murphy Flip-Flop - The added design detail on these makes them appropriate for casual and dressier summer looks.

So how about you? Which shoes do you find comfortable and stylish for summer wear?

You’ve heard of the Holy Trinity, but did you know it occurs in footwear too?  Indeed, when a shoe maker combines comfort, style, and versatily in one shoe it can bring on events of biblical proportions (or at least that’s how we’ll refer to the unending hail of compliments you’ll receive wearing them).   My client loved these Cole Haan Air Caden oxfords as much as I did from the moment he slid them on.  They weigh close to nothing thanks to the EVA sole and provide plenty of support with their concealed Nike Air cushion.  Plus, they’ll pair equally well with jeans, traditional business slacks, or a trouser short.  And, details like the perforated leather, color band sole, and contrasting heel rim, will add a sophisticated allure to your overall look even when you’re perched at your favorite pub elbows deep in a bucket o’ buffalo wings.

Spring weather can be more fickle than your hot but crazy ex-girlfriend who broke up and reunited with you on a weekly basis.

A smart accessory that will help take you from chilly to warm in comfort and style is a lightweight (sometimes called spring-weight) scarf.  They come in a variety of fabrics from silk to muslin and in any color/print your heart desires.  You can tie lightweight scarves in the same traditional ways as your heavier winter ones.  Or, try this tucked alternative which looks chic under a jacket, vest, knit, or button down shirt. It’s easy and I promise that if you do it correctly, you will get compliments.  

Drape the scarf around your neck as you normally would, cross the ends to make a V shape across your chest and then tuck the ends underneath your top layer. Done.

If you choose to rock this look with a button down shirt rather than a jacket or vest, make sure the scarf is thin enough so it doesn’t look like you have a mountain of chest hair trying to break through your shirt (think: alien baby).

Fair Isle knits, named after Fair Isle, a tiny island in the north of Scotland, are having a resurgence in popularity.  Their distinct pattern of alternating prints in different colored bands stirs polar opinions, people either love or hate them and rarely fall in the middle.

While I appreciate the rustic, country side appeal of the Fair Isle pattern, it’s a look that can be distinctly unflattering unless you have the good fortune of having an Adonis upper body that can retain it’s V shape no matter the cloth and pattern you drape it in.  Otherwise the horizontal bright bands will make you appear rotund and bulky.

So if you’d like to incoprorate some Fair Isle  into your wardrobe but aren’t sure how, try one of these options.

- Select a sweater where the pattern is localized rather than all over, the best placement is across the shoulders since that’s the part of your body that should appear widest.

- Fair Isle works better as a supporting character than in a lead role.  Rather that wearing it solo which can overwhelm your frame, layer underneath a solid sport coat or jacket to add depth and interest to your look.

- Try just a touch; since the patterns are so prominent, a scarf with Fair Isle detailing is a safe, stylish alternative.

If you’re cardigan shows cleavage, opt for a higher neck line, or a push-up bra.

 A:  Lots of guys call the T-shirt and jeans combo their off-hours uniform.  Pro: super easy.  Con: B-O-R-I-N-G.  Luckily, simple doesn’t have to be bland.  Since you currently favor the plain grey T-shirt, replace it with a version that has some interesting design detail.  This printed T-shirt from French menswear maker Sixpack is available online and a great example of a unique print that’s completely casual and unpretentious.  Just remember that Hawaiian prints, team logo jerseys or overplayed Ed Hardy roses and thorns, do not constitute ‘interesting design detail’.  

The Oxford shirt is aptly named for the fabric that its made from, oxford cloth, which has a distinct basket weave texture and subtle sheen.

Tucked into chinos or jeans, untucked with shorts, or worn underneath a blazer, this versatile button down is a comfy summer staple.  A classic blue, crisp white, and subtle print oxford will get you through an entire summer of long weekends, in the city or on Nantucket.

When selecting an oxford for yourself watch out for the following:

Fit -  For many shirt makers the traditional boxy cut is the default so unless you are on the huskier side, look for a slim cut (also called tailored) version.

Logos – Prominent logos are not the smartest choice, not only do they rarely add benefit visually, the wearer has paid for the privilege of becoming a walking billboard.

Collar – Button down or classic collar is a matter of personal preference.  I tend to favor the classic collar for my clients, unless they’ll want to wear a tie with it on occasion, in which case we’ll pick up one of each.

The choices are endless for where to buy your oxford shirt,  after doing field research and asking my clients for feedback,  here are the Emmi Award winners:

Best under $100 – Pink Slim Fit Oxford

This is a very sharp looking oxford, perfect for any day in the office and straight through into guy's night out. Best of all, after it's too worn to look appropriate at the office you can retire it to your casual cool shirt collection.

Best under $40 – Gap Stripe Tailored Oxford

Layer over a brightly colored T shirt and pair with shorts, perfect for casual outdoor parties.

The Runner Up – Banana Republic Oxford

Retailing for $60, the construction and quality are great for the money, but some have complained that the cut of the sleeves is rather loose and bulky. However that won't matter if you wear the sleeves rolled up.